Elysia sp. 5

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This species has been observed on Reunion Island


Order : Sacoglossa
Superfamily : Plakobranchoidea
Family : Plakobranchidae
Distribution : Reunion and South Africa
Maximal size : 18 mm
Abundance : Seldom if ever on the rocky coast


Species characteristics :

A mottled green body with light green papillae and large yelow spots with smaller black ones

The pattern of the inner side of the parapodia is very caracteristic. It consists of broad green oblique bands arranged symmetrically on either side of a wide median light green strip and yellow dots over the entire surface.

 Elysia sp5
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Photo Christophe Cadet
Reunion, Etang salé, on the rocky coast, less 1 m, 6 October 2010, size : 11 mm

See more about : Sightening and mating periods

Remarks :

Identification confirmed by Kathe Jensen
    According Kathe Jensen :"The species with the yellow dots I am pretty sure is undescribed. I have seen pictures before, but I don't think it has a scientific name"

Bibliographic data :

Found in South Africa in 1 m of water where it feeds on the green algae Caulerpa racemosa

References :

Publications :

Elysia sp 3 in : Gosliner,T.M.; Behrens,D.W.; Valdés,A (2008) Indo-pacific nudibranchs and seaslugs A field guide to the World's most diverse fauna

Other photos of Elysia sp. 5 :

Christophe Cadet

Reunion, Etang salé, on the rocky coast, less 1 m, 6 October 2010, size : 11 mm

The pericardium (a)

A mottled green body with light green papillae (b) and large yelow spots with smaller black ones

Christophe Cadet

Reunion, Etang salé, on the rocky coast, less 1 m, 16 November 2011, size : 13 mm

During the night...

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